2022 Ford Explorer XLT Interior: A Deep Dive

Hey there, car enthusiasts! Let's dive deep into the 2022 Ford Explorer XLT interior, shall we? This mid-size SUV has been a family favorite for years, and for good reason. It offers a blend of practicality, comfort, and a touch of modern tech. The XLT trim, in particular, strikes a sweet spot for many buyers, offering a great balance of features without breaking the bank. So, grab your virtual seat, and let's explore what makes the 2022 Ford Explorer XLT interior a compelling choice. We'll cover everything from the design and materials to the tech and comfort features. Buckle up, it's going to be a fun ride!

Design and Materials of the 2022 Ford Explorer XLT Interior

Alright, let's start with the basics: the design and materials. When you step inside the 2022 Ford Explorer XLT interior, you're greeted with a thoughtfully designed space. Ford has aimed for a clean and functional layout, prioritizing ease of use and a sense of spaciousness. The dashboard has a modern, streamlined look, with a focus on horizontal lines to visually widen the cabin. The materials used in the XLT trim are a step up from the base models, offering a comfortable and reasonably upscale feel. You won't find premium leather everywhere, of course, but the quality of the plastics and cloth upholstery is generally good. Everything feels well-assembled, which is a testament to Ford's commitment to build quality. The seats are primarily upholstered in cloth, which is known for its breathability, making it a great option for those hot summer days. The cloth also holds up pretty well over time, resisting wear and tear, especially if you have kids or pets. If you want a more luxurious feel, you can always consider the higher trims, which offer leather seating surfaces. But for the XLT, the cloth is a perfectly acceptable and practical choice. The color palettes are generally subdued, with options like black, gray, and beige available. These neutral tones create a versatile backdrop that complements various lifestyles. The overall design prioritizes practicality, with plenty of storage compartments and easy-to-reach controls. The layout is intuitive, so you won't need to spend hours figuring out how to operate everything. The dashboard includes a central touchscreen display, which serves as the hub for infotainment and vehicle settings. The steering wheel is wrapped in a comfortable material and houses controls for audio, cruise control, and other functions. The overall impression is one of a well-crafted interior that's designed to make your daily drives as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. The 2022 Ford Explorer XLT interior doesn't try to be overly flashy; instead, it focuses on providing a practical and comfortable space for you and your passengers. It's a great choice if you're looking for an SUV that's both functional and stylish without going overboard on price.

Seating and Space

Let's talk about seating and space – a crucial aspect, especially for families. The 2022 Ford Explorer XLT interior comfortably accommodates seven passengers across three rows of seats. The front seats are supportive and offer ample legroom and headroom for both the driver and the front passenger. The second-row seats are also generous, providing plenty of space for adults or older children. The third row, as with many SUVs in this class, is best suited for kids or smaller adults, but it's still a valuable feature to have for occasional use. The seats are designed to be comfortable even on longer journeys, and the XLT trim generally offers good support. The Explorer's high roofline contributes to a sense of airiness inside the cabin, which makes it feel less cramped. The design includes features like sculpted door panels and strategically placed storage pockets to maximize the feeling of space. Legroom and headroom are important factors in passenger comfort, and the Explorer XLT delivers on both fronts. The second row slides and reclines, providing additional flexibility for passengers. Accessing the third row is relatively easy, thanks to the second-row seats that fold and slide forward. Even with all three rows in use, the Explorer still offers a decent amount of cargo space behind the third row. When you need more room for luggage or gear, the third-row seats can be folded flat to create a larger cargo area. The second-row seats can also be folded down to provide even more space. The configuration options make it adaptable for a wide range of needs, whether you're hauling groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. Overall, the 2022 Ford Explorer XLT interior is exceptionally spacious for its class. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and there's enough room for everyone to travel in comfort. The flexible seating arrangements add to the vehicle's practicality, making it a great choice for families.

Technology and Infotainment Features

Okay, let's get into the tech side of things. The 2022 Ford Explorer XLT interior is equipped with a decent array of technology and infotainment features, keeping you connected and entertained on the road. At the heart of the system is a touchscreen display, usually an 8-inch screen, which controls most of the vehicle's functions. The touchscreen is responsive and easy to use, with a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate through the various features. Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system is intuitive and offers a variety of features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This allows you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the vehicle's system, giving you access to your favorite apps, music, and navigation. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can make calls, send texts, get directions, and listen to music, all through the vehicle's touchscreen or voice commands. The Explorer XLT also comes with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, which allows you to connect multiple devices to the internet. This is a great feature for families, allowing passengers to stream videos, browse the web, or stay connected while on the go. You'll find USB ports throughout the cabin, so you can easily charge your devices. The XLT trim typically includes a premium audio system, providing a good listening experience. The sound quality is clear and well-balanced, making it enjoyable to listen to music or podcasts. Safety features are also a priority. The 2022 Ford Explorer XLT interior comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of advanced driver-assist technologies. This includes features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, which can help prevent accidents and enhance overall safety. The instrument cluster provides essential information to the driver, such as speed, fuel level, and other important data. Some models may have an upgraded digital instrument cluster, which provides a more customizable display. In short, the 2022 Ford Explorer XLT interior comes with a nice selection of tech features that enhance convenience, connectivity, and safety. The infotainment system is user-friendly, and the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto makes it easy to stay connected. The Wi-Fi hotspot is a great bonus, and the safety features provide added peace of mind. The tech features blend seamlessly with the interior design, contributing to a modern and comfortable driving experience.

Driver Assistance and Safety

Safety is super important, right? The 2022 Ford Explorer XLT interior is packed with driver-assistance and safety features to keep you and your passengers protected. Ford Co-Pilot360, as mentioned earlier, is a key component, providing a range of technologies designed to prevent accidents and mitigate the effects of a collision. Features such as blind-spot monitoring help you to detect vehicles in your blind spots, making lane changes safer. Lane-keeping assist helps to keep the vehicle centered in its lane, preventing unintentional drifting. Automatic emergency braking can automatically apply the brakes if a potential collision is detected, helping to reduce the severity of an impact or avoid it altogether. The Explorer XLT also includes features like a rearview camera, which aids in parking and maneuvering. Adaptive cruise control is available on some models, allowing you to maintain a set distance from the vehicle in front of you. This feature can reduce driver fatigue on long journeys. The Explorer's structure is designed to absorb impact energy in the event of a crash. The vehicle's safety cage is constructed from high-strength steel, providing a strong and protective environment for occupants. Multiple airbags are strategically placed throughout the cabin to provide additional protection in the event of a collision. The 2022 Ford Explorer XLT interior has received good safety ratings from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These ratings are a testament to the vehicle's robust safety features and overall crashworthiness. Safety features are seamlessly integrated into the design, providing peace of mind without compromising the interior aesthetics. In essence, the 2022 Ford Explorer XLT interior prioritizes safety, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features and a strong structural design to protect occupants. This focus on safety makes the Explorer XLT a reassuring choice for families and anyone who values protection on the road.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Now, let's talk about comfort and convenience! The 2022 Ford Explorer XLT interior has a range of features designed to make your driving experience more pleasant and hassle-free. The seats are designed to provide good support and comfort, even on longer drives. The cloth upholstery is breathable and the seats are often power-adjustable, allowing you to find your ideal driving position. The climate control system is effective in keeping the cabin at a comfortable temperature, with options for dual-zone climate control in some models. This allows the driver and front passenger to set their preferred temperatures. The Explorer XLT offers ample storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a center console, door pockets, and various cubby holes. These storage spaces provide convenient places to store your personal items. The vehicle also has a spacious cargo area that can be easily accessed. The second- and third-row seats can be folded down to create a larger cargo space, making it easy to transport larger items. Keyless entry and push-button start are standard features, adding to the convenience. These features allow you to enter and start the vehicle without having to fumble with keys. The infotainment system is user-friendly and offers various features, including smartphone integration, navigation, and a premium audio system. These features make it easy to stay connected and entertained on the road. The Explorer XLT offers a smooth and comfortable ride. The suspension system is designed to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers. Sound insulation is effective in keeping road noise and other external sounds to a minimum, creating a quieter and more relaxing cabin environment. The 2022 Ford Explorer XLT interior is designed to enhance your driving experience. The combination of comfortable seats, an effective climate control system, and convenient storage spaces makes for a pleasant and functional environment. Features like keyless entry and a user-friendly infotainment system add to the convenience factor. The focus on comfort and convenience makes the Explorer XLT an enjoyable vehicle to drive and ride in.

Comparison with Other Trims

How does the XLT stack up against other trims? Compared to the base trim, the XLT offers several upgrades in terms of features, materials, and technology. You can expect to find more standard equipment, such as a power-adjustable driver's seat, upgraded infotainment features, and additional driver-assistance technologies. Compared to the higher trims, like the Limited or Platinum, the XLT offers a more budget-friendly option. While you might not get the same level of luxury or advanced features as in the higher trims, the XLT provides a great balance of features and value for the money. The XLT trim typically features cloth upholstery, while the higher trims might offer leather seating surfaces and other premium materials. The XLT's infotainment system is well-equipped, but the higher trims often include larger touchscreens and additional features. The XLT still comes with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies, but the higher trims may offer even more advanced features, such as enhanced parking assist or a surround-view camera system. The XLT trim strikes a good balance between features, comfort, and affordability. It provides a more upscale experience than the base trim while remaining more accessible than the higher-end trims. It's a sweet spot for many buyers, offering a great value proposition. The XLT is well-suited for families and individuals who are looking for a practical and comfortable SUV with a good mix of features. The 2022 Ford Explorer XLT interior has a well-thought-out design, which strikes the perfect balance between style, functionality and affordability. The XLT trim is a solid choice. The 2022 Ford Explorer XLT interior is a well-rounded package that offers a comfortable and practical experience, making it a popular choice in the mid-size SUV segment.